Kevin O'Connor's 2024 NBA Mock Draft | NBA Draft Show | Ringer NBA

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor goes over his latest mock draft of prospects ahead of the 2024 NBA draft.
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[@spursfan3452]

This might be the worst mock draft I’ve seen yet

[@xavier4022]

i was thinking the same thing lol

[@FacundoCampazzo123]

Drafting someone #1 overall because of "fit" always seems like a horrible idea. Take the best player and figure out the rest later.

[@elemenohpe]

there are no good players, that is the problem

[@3431King]

The top picks are all pretty good and there is no real consensus 1. 1-5 is similar. 10-35 is similar. Its about what you like and need more than someone being better than another in this draft

[@razkable]

Yeah sarr fits since they might trade capela and okongwu is always hurt and not really much improved in 2.5 years...also he is the best right now and you might trade guys rebuild so...why draft someone who fits for an 8th seed at best when you need future star talent

[@ryananderson59]

I’m not sure there are a lot of examples of people going 1 overall due to fit it always seems like organizations choose potential at the top.

[@joed7185]

My nephew works for the Spurs in the scouting department. He said they are going to draft Edey if he's there at #4

[@slamdunk2270]

1) Atlanta: Sarr at the end of the day... sure, they will hesitate because of Risacher’s hype after his superb playoffs in the French championship, while Sarr’s hype from his games against the Ignite has slightly declined since. On Draft night though, they'll go with the highest upside. Sarr's way of moving, with or without the ball, combined with his size and potential ability to stretch the floor makes him too intriguing. He has the potential to carry his team on both sides. 2) Washington: I have a feeling it will come down to Risacher or... Clingan. Trades are too unpredictable, so I'm cautious about considering one (especially since that's not the goal here). However, trade requests for Risacher (Spurs?) or Clingan (Grizzlies?) could paradoxically convince the Wizards that they MUST pick between these two. Given that they already have several young wings (Coulibaly, Avdija), I lean towards Clingan, who would ensure their defense for years to come. 3) Houston: Sheppard to provide primary shooting, a player on whom Sengun and Green can kick the ball out to, and who can eventually succeed VanVleet as the starting PG. 4) San Antonio: Risacher is the Spurs’ DREAM scenario. We know they've been hoping for months now that Risacher would fall to their 4th pick to address their size gap. The kid has a good head on his shoulders, the typical good student they adore who will play well on both ends. And cherry on top: he happens to be French just like their star player. 5) Detroit: Buzelis because they lack a wing and he seems to be the most promising left. They also need shooting, and Matas was a standout in high school... 6) Charlotte: By default, Dillingham, rule of the best-player-available. Rob can play as a "free electron" à la Kyrie Irving, with LaMelo in the Doncic role. Especially if Lonzo's little brother's health continues to worry, the Hornets will already have their next point guard ready. 7) Portland: It's the biggest unknown. I lean towards Cody Williams, but don't ask me why. 8) San Antonio: Castle to make him a tall and powerful point guard, capable of being the team's second-best defender behind Wemby, thus ensuring a strong defense for their 1-5 axis. His shooting remains to be seen, but the Spurs have historically dealt with that problematic in the Tony Parker days. 9) Memphis: The Clingan rumors puzzled me because, with him projected to go higher, I'm not sure what their plan B would be if they can't trade up for him.... If they really want a center next to JJJ, the top 10 seems a bit too high for Ware or Missi. Then remains the wing position: maybe a player with a stronger defensive profile than GG Jackson? In that case, Holland is the obvious choice, but he seems to be dropping pretty hard in recent mocks... 10) Utah: Topic. Okay, Keyonte George is already supposed to be their PG for the next decade. But I think it would be too difficult for this foreigners-friendly franchise to pass up on a Topic if he falls to them on Draft night (even if it means trading him since I've heard that Ryan Smith, Jazz owner, is not a fan of this Draft class). 11) Chicago: God, I hate their FO's decision-making. So I'm quite sure they'll go in the opposite route of mine. My favorite players still in the running are McCain, Carter, and Salaun. Apparently, the Bulls are finally ready to let go of LaVine but still rely on DeRozan, Vucevic, and - obviously - White. So I see them picking Knecht because, you know, the number one factor in their player evaluation seems to be the points per game average... 😑 12) OKC: This is my dark horse, Tyler Smith. He is the least prominent player from the G-League Ignite trio due to his supposedly lower ceiling, but I think his floor is much higher thanks to his 3-point shooting. A stretch-4, he can be a great frontcourt partner for Holmgren. Both of them are mobile enough to defend and attack from the perimeter. The missing link for Daigneau's Thunder squad? 13) Sacramento: Plenty of options for the Kings, who, despite the promising 2023 season, find themselves at a crossroads in '24... What about Malik Monk, who's a free agent this summer? I can only imagine the Kings being tempted to replace him with Jared McCain, rather than matching the exorbitant offer Monk would receive from the competition. 14) Portland: still in limbo with this unbalanced roster that lacks an overall vision. I see them, by default, taking the highest potential still available: Salaun. 15) Miami: here, it's obvious-Devin Carter, whose father is a former Heat player. The Providence star's mentality is a perfect match, and it’s fitting since they are in dire need of a point guard. Continue the amazing work, KOC. Love from 🇫🇷

[@Desi365]

Nolan Traoré is the Spurs DREAM scenario

[@slamdunk2270]

@@Desi365 True but you cannot assume you will be in a position to draft him next year. That’s too risky to let go someone you believe can be your PG for an hypothetical future draft year. I love my fellow Frenchman Traoré though. 🔥

[@tom4life2001]

Devin Carter is Kings GM Monte McNair's type of prospect so they would draft him before Jared McCain.

[@billwhitten4668]

You are correct however you don't know how defective the Hawks management thinking is on who to draft and moves to make. It will be the wrong one, bet on it.

[@na_k]

Interesting. You think Smith goes that high and OKC picks him instead of a C?

[@sarahmccoy1941]

I do not like your two picks for the SA Spurs.

[@mddupont]

I do not like green eggs and ham.

[@joed7185]

My nephew works for the Spurs in the scouting department. He said they are going to draft Edey if he's there at #4

[@petourivsbranch5611]

It’s terrible

[@sarahmccoy1941]

@@mddupont Buzelis and Topic. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sarahmccoy1941]

@@joed7185 Edey would be there at pick #15. Why waste a high pick on a guy that most do not consider at top 10 pick???

[@PapiWaron]

terrible mock ngl

[@meccanised]

I'm sure yours would be much better - lol

[@bigpain76]

One of the best mock drafts I've seen! No reaches just arguably the top picks in order

[@sarahmccoy1941]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ruru1993]

I ATL doesn't take Sarr I'm actually done with this team. There is no way I'm watching anymore garbage defense or Clint Capela basketball cause this team wants to be cute and different.

[@cleggnog]

but will any of them be as good as Killian Hayes?

[@spizzz7221]

Matas is not a top 10 pick. Hes good but his weaknesses are glaring.

[@na_k]

I'm just not in on Matas. He does a bunch of things, but I don't know what he does well.

[@Irfanhill]

As a Frenchman, projecting our 2028 Olympics team is really exciting: Wembanyama and Coulibaly will be 24, Risacher and Sarr will be 23, Nolan Traoré will be 22. That might be a bit young but they could be our starting five, all guys taken in the top 10 of the draft, including one player who may very well be competing to be the NBA MVP if he doesn't get hurt. Then, you add Nadir Hifi (26 years old by then), Rayan Rupert (24), Théo Maledon (27), Elie Okobo (31), Guerschon Yabusele (33), Tidjane Salaün (23), maybe Frank Ntilikina (30) and Sylvain Francisco (31). Fournier & Gobert might still be around, at 36 years of age.

[@razkable]

I can see like 25 guys in the first round being nba rotation guys

[@lostnthasauce4262]

Yes I am familiar with Nicolas Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets

[@ri-ri7888]

Castle at 4 maybe? And Salaun/Knecht with the 8th pick? I hope so

[@bballer191]

Knecht is just a shorter Doug McDermott, who the Spurs traded away last season. Highly unlikely they draft him.

[@slickrick8046]

Knecht is a true 3-level scorer. He’s not just a shooter. Don’t know what you’ve been watching.

[@bballer191]

@@slickrick8046 So was Doug McDermott in college.. He literally won Naismith College Player of the Year at Creighton. He could do it all. The NBA is a different monster. Knecht is going to have the same issues McDermott has, which is a lack of of athleticism that makes him a poor defender. Only he’s 2 inches shorter than McDermott is. I doubt they draft that archetype again.

[@slickrick8046]

@@bballer191 Doug is the same height as Knecht *BUT* Doug is a PF/SF who lacks the size for PF and the athleticism for small forward. That was the knock on Doug coming out of college…too short and not athletic enough for the NBA. *Knecht is a guard* who’s very athletic, explosive, has way better handles than Doug, and will dunk on somebody’s head. You’re talking about two different positions buddy…that’s a horrible comp. I’m hoping the Rockets take him at #3.

[@dwaynelee1789]

Always love KOC and his takes. I do disagree with Sarr expanding his range to 3. Who are the centers other than Porzingis and Towns who are legit threats from the 3 point range.

[@aightsick31]

Clingan going as high as 3 would be a remarkable mistake. You can wait for size!

[@razkable]

The rockets can trade him the pick or just have him as a backup possibly play him and sengun together some minutes..they have talent and the nets picks so they can't tank...they have the roater to take a ready now guy...they don't have to worry about missing unless he is a total bust which I doubt cause he fits...

[@TheCosmicLion]

Waste a top 3 pick on your 3rd back up center? Rockets need 3pt shooting desperately. Dont get cute with this pick. Grab Shepherd or Dillingham if Risacher is not available. If the coach thinks Amen can play PG in the future. Reach on a 3 and D wing.

[@NOJSIP]

@@TheCosmicLionReed

[@NOJSIP]

They can get a backup big man pretty easy. Picking one at #3 is not filling the more pressing needs....shooting and additional playmaking. Reed is the right fit for the Rockets.

[@andrewburnap976]

I'll admit, I haven't scouted Sarr or Risacher but #1 pick and #2 pick averaging 10 PPG is no bueno.

[@kevinsmithfan37]

Sarr was on limited minutes for Perth

[@lawsonwilfrid3312]

It was with Pro! not against college boy... And you can't have a Wemby each years!

[@ivanriobla]

If Spurs don't take Rob Dillingham they will regret it big time, i rather take RD at 4. and best available player at 8, INSANE you don't have him t top 10

[@sarahmccoy1941]

Nothing like a short guard who can’t play defense.

[@ivanriobla]

@@sarahmccoy1941 yeah thats what they said about curry Lol/ , RD produces an abstract offensive that looks like a perfect match for wemby, much easier to find defense help specially if you have an alien that could be DPOY the next 15+ years

[@angelastephens6780]

Reed Shepherd would be a better fit as he is a team player that has high basketball intelligence. Dilly likes to create plays for himself and isn't as much of a team player. Both players need to develop on the defensive end but Reed is a better fit for Wemby and the Spurs.

[@TheCosmicLion]

Saw pick #3 and turned this draft off. Not even looking at team roster or fit. 😂

[@na_k]

I can't see Sengun and Clingan working. They also have Adams.

[@charliesmarts1]

Brandon Miller a 2 bruh. Hornets Tall Balling next year. Gimme a Forward in the next one bruh. Matas, Salaun, Cody, Risacher, Sarr... not mad at Castle tho. I think there is a world where he is gone already by 6.

[@peterkokosar9307]

Nic Claxton at #2, ouch

[@tombystander]

Killian Hayes re-entering the draft baby!

[@williamwhite2908]

You don’t draft the number one pick because they’re good on defense!

[@jaxgambino1880]

Sarr- Washington Zaccarie- Atlanta Topic & Matus - San Antonio 🔥

[@mrlucky704]

I hope hornets swap picks with Portland+ assets . To get 7/14. At 7 get castle/sheppard/knecth or holland( I think knecth and holland will be there). At 14 get Zach edey.

[@clav93089]

I agree with that top five! Hawks and Wizards are in full rebuild mode and should take whoever they think has the highest long-term potential, Rockets could make a playoff run in 2025 and should take a high-floor guy like Clingan, Spurs are all about potential fit with Wemby, so shooters and playmakers, and Detroit needs defense, shooting, and playmaking, so Reed Shephard is a perfect fit.

[@devonking1863]

As a pistons fan I would be pissed if we don’t get a forward

[@HamptonGuitars]

Believe me, the Grizz would love to have Shepherd fall to 9. Bench heater & backup PG, he's an immediate rotation player most likely.

[@codyd6791]

I’m cool with Rockets taking Clingan at 3 but I bet they trade it.

[@GreenroomTV]

Houston Rockets = Reed Sheppard

[@petekayyceclosedduncan2077]

Why would Detroit draft another guard? A small one at that. They have.. Cunningham, Ivey, Sasser, and Grimes...

[@D3cyanide]

Same with the Jazz who have Sexton, Dunn, Keyonte and 4 others (including Clarkson) as PG's. They say It would be for the talent (higher value for trade) but unless you let the rookie show off and take minutes out of the other (developing) players, other teams won't care to trade for a no-namer. And even then, it's not guaranteed they'll shine. I'm right there with ya in thinking it would be a STUPID move adding guards to a crowded position putting more pressure on their development while taking minutes and growth away from the others.

[@jfj4692]

No rob dillingham is crazy

[@mahomie3017]

So Risacher is DeAndre Hunter ?! 😂

[@TheRealUcanUwill]

I have only seen him once, he is long and can shoot and move like a guard. I am not even sure he can be Dzanan Musa, but he knows how to be off ball roleplayer better than someone like Musa, so he has better shot sticking around. Maybe he can be next Batum with more automatic shot, that would be optimistic scenario.

[@Julian-dj4ro]

Risacher can’t really create, I feel like he’s a high level catch and shooter. Don’t think he’s worth top 3 imo

[@edgames7475]

Let's go Blazers! Salaun or bust.

[@StefanoLeone]

Kevin O'Receding Hair

[@ishetrying]

Reed Shepherd?

[@bradymoon1889]

Matas at 4 is bad...i think he falls

[@MahomeboyMyGOAT]

Your Spurs picks won’t age very well

[@jeremybenson75]

If these are the top 10 guys...possible worst draft ever?

[@lawsonwilfrid3312]

Wait and see! There is no top talent, but the top ten could be some good NBA players

[@jrob5361]

KOC is so bad at this

[@mirisarawak1931]

no, no, no. Risacher is going to Houston...period

[@xavierbehavier6454]

I agree , this guy way off on his mock draft !

[@ricrich5727]

He don't know basketball if he don't have sarr going 1st

[@Dave-nm8uf]

It is almost like the pundits don't want the Hawks to draft Alex Sarr so that they can continue to troll that organization. Get this Hawks fans these pundits have much more respect for the Wizards than they do the Hawks. The Hawks are so stupid that they might draft this toothpick who can't shoot with the first overall pick as if these pundits don't know that the Hawks have not rim protection, going to trade Capela but they draft another wing to go along with seven other wings. Hey Hawks fans this guy is a known Hawks and Trae hater so he is not giving Trae a big man to potentially replace Capela.

[@WilliamWatson-lf1xh]

Trae and Zach like Steve and dirk.

[@Dave-nm8uf]

@@WilliamWatson-lf1xh Okay

[@Dave-nm8uf]

@@WilliamWatson-lf1xh By the time Zach is ready to contribute Trae will be in another organization. He is looking for an exit strategy but do not want to look like the bad guy.

[@joshdevouge1294]

Sarr is going #1

[@TheMovieClub007]

You dont know what your talking about lol 😂 Detroit aint getting no Reed Sheppard. Trashh in my Bubba Dub voice 😂

[@Joeschmoe8930]

A number 1 overall pick described as a 3 and D forward. Not great.

[@hookem1723]

Nice job putting "excellent drop defender in pick and roll" twice in a two sentence span for Clingan, really shows the professionalism of this account

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

I definitely think Zaccharie is the best player in the draft

[@braxtonthartabrig]

A Stephon Castle that’s willing to come here and drop to #6 would be a dream scenario for Charlotte this year

[@razkable]

I don't like the fit character wise and also size wise...he is not a wing like Kevin thinks...he has a very shorter iggy like play style wise but he isn't a shooter yet a finisher like that or a pg yet wants to be one and demands where he plays which is an issue...dude has an ego iggy did not have...iggy would go higher in this draft cause back when he was drafted he was skinny and seen as a tweener who couldn't play pf or pg and wasn't a shooter so he was sorta a bad wing offensive player..now you wish for guys like him

[@collegepennsylvania837]

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

[@jeffbraverman9699]

The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout

[@NoixNoir-gu4fd]

Trae Okongwu and Sarr to Lakers AD, Murray, and Vanderbilt to San Antonio K Johnson, Graham, Collins, #4, #8, Atlanta 2025, Chicago 2025, Atlanta 2027, most favorable other 2027 (protected 1-5, else less favorable 2027, if SA holds only one pick in 2027 and it doesn't convey because it's 2-5, then it will become the most favorable unprotected 2028) from SA Oklahoma City gets Hunter and Capela, gives Atlanta the #12 and the most favorable 2025 they will have at the time, and 3 most favorable 2029 2nds

[@ck.standard]

Any GM that drafts a "3 & D" guy number needs to file for unemployment

[@razkable]

I don't see a world where rob and ron fall out the top 10 or where collier isn't a top 11 pick...you are overrating some guys like ware and salaun

[@Collindunks]

This mock sucks

[@petertejero1721]

terrible!